2016 Subaru STI Performance Concept

Subaru is widely known to produce reliable, safe and fuel efficient models but more so due to their highly performance power-trains. This is courtesy of their turbocharged boxer engines and their excellent all-wheel drive systems.

In a bid to increase its presence on the high-performance market segment, Subaru is looking to expand its Subaru Technical International (STI) division. The expansion is already in progress as the division’s engineered parts have replaced the Subaru Performance Tuning aftermarket parts in the US. The division has also increased its presence in the Subaru of America Global RallyCross team.

The recent unveiling of the 2016 Subaru STI Performance concept model, an aggressive coupe based on the Subaru BRZ goes a long way to show their intent.

2016 Subaru STI Performance Exterior

The outside has been restyled to offer a more dramatic look as well as improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics. At the front, the vehicle features a redesigned bumper and grille. There are also deeper air intakes.

The rear features a gigantic carbon-fiber trimmed wing, a huge diffuser and center-mounted twin exhaust tips. The rear also has aggressive air intakes which pull air out of its hot brakes and help improve its underbody aerodynamics.

There is a huge dose of carbon-fiber use all over including the roof panel which helps lower its center of gravity. The vehicle also features a wide track which improves its handling and cornering. It rides on 18-inch wheels.

2016 Subaru STI Performance Interior

The BRZ has also received STI enhancements on the cabin but the BRZ already being a performance focused model, STI didn’t have to do much. The coupe accommodates two passengers. Some of the new additions include a carbon-fiber steering wheel which is integrated with shift-lights.

The vehicle also features bolstered racing seats wrapped in alcantara with STI logos on their headrests. There is also a “race widget” screen mounted at the center of the dash. It displays information about the vehicle such as its G-load.

Engine Specs

Surprisingly, the BRZ is the only model in the Subaru lineup that does not use a turbocharger. The automaker has previously argued that using a turbocharger on the BRZ was not feasible as it has a limited under-bonnet space.

The STI show car was fitted with a 2.0 L boxer, 4-cylinder engine which produces 300 hp. This engine was sourced from the BRZ GT300 racer. However, here at nicecarsinfo.com believe that this engine will not be production friendly.

We believe having managed to install the Super GT ‘EJ20’ engine on the BRZ’s limited under-bonnet; it demonstrates a turbocharged 2.0 L engine in an unmodified road-car shell can fit. A turbocharged engine will be more production-friendly paving way for early production.

The BRZ lack of outright power has received frequent criticism from many quarters. As such, a more powerful BRZ will be very welcome to its enthusiasts since its redesigns failed to address its lack of proper muscle for a sports car.

Price and release date

When launching the show car, the Subaru of America CEO Thomas J Doll said that the show car is just a concept that previews a more powerful BRZ variant. He reckoned that a lot needs to be done before the production model hits the road.

As for the price, we believe it will be the most expensive BRZ; therefore expect a price of over $30,000.

Competition

As of now, it looks likely that the BRZ will receive STI enhancements. However the automaker might decide to expand its range which will help them compete with many cars including the likes of Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and even the likes of Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. The current STI-badged WRX rivals the Mitsubishi Evo.